Coastal chickweed, Coastal sand-spurrey, Greater sea-spurrey
Spergularia media
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
A herb which can complete its life cycle in 2 years or grow for several years. It grows 10-30 cm high. It has a stout root. The stem is erect and branching. The leaves are opposite and 1-5 cm long. They are 2 mm wide. They are fleshy. There is a membrane like stipule near the base of each pair of leaves. The flowers are white and pink or violet and on stalks about 5-20 mm long. The seeds have wings or flanges.
Where it is found
It grows in warm temperate places. It grows in dry sandy areas. It can grow on salt marshes and seashores. In NW China it grows on salty soils at about 1,200 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Australia, Central Asia, China, Europe, Hawaii, Kazakhstan, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkmenistan
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Arenaria media L.; Spergularia marginata (DC.) Kitt.; and several others